Controlled release of bFGF loaded into electrospun core–shell fibrous membranes for use in guided tissue regeneration

Abstract In this study, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was loaded into a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/wool keratin composite membrane by emulsion electrospinning to prepare a composite membrane with a core–shell structure for guided tissue regeneration (GTR). The physicochemical properties, drug release performance in vitro and cytotoxicity of the composite membrane were evaluated to select the optimum concentration of bFGF. The fibers in the six groups of composite membranes were uniform in thickness, had a smooth surface, and did not exhibit a string bead structure. In addition, the fibers in the six groups of composite membranes had a stable core–shell structure, in which the core layer of the fibers was wrapped around bFGF and the shell layer of the fibers comprised the PLGA/wool keratin oil-phase component. Compared with the PLGA/wool keratin composite membrane prepared by traditional electrospinning, the composite membranes prepared by emulsion electrospinning had a higher water absorption rate and superior hydrophilicity. The bFGF encapsulation rate of the 10 μ g bFGF composite membrane was the highest (97.3% ± 11.3%). Stable and sustained release of bFGF from the five groups of bFGF-loaded PLGA/wool keratin composite membranes can be maintained over 28 d. The five groups of PLGA/wool keratin composite membranes loaded with bFGF could promote the adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPLDFs) to varying degrees. Among the five groups, the cell morphology, proliferation ability and osteogenic differentiation ability of the 10 μ g bFGF composite membrane group were the best. This study will serve as a foundation for further research on bFGF-loaded composite membranes for GTR applications.